Chef Marco Casula is set to attempt a Guinness World Record by creating 150 unique varieties of tiramisu at Café del Mar on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The event will take place on October 24, 2023, starting at 18:00 local time, and aims to celebrate the artistry of this beloved Italian dessert.
To achieve this ambitious goal, Casula emphasizes that each variation must possess its own distinct identity. “It’s not enough to just change one ingredient,” he noted in an interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Each variation must have its own identity, its own balance and an emotion to convey.” This meticulous approach reflects his dedication, as he has spent months perfecting the flavors and textures of each recipe.
The tiramisu varieties promise to be diverse, featuring innovative flavors such as mojito, Dubai chocolate, mango Baileys, and peach. The first 100 attendees at the event will receive a complimentary tiramisu taster, adding an interactive element to the record attempt.
Originating from Rome, Casula has been a chef for 25 years and has traveled the globe honing his culinary skills. His passion for tiramisu has blossomed over two decades, leading him to explore every detail of the dessert. “Tiramisu is a symbol of Italy, a dessert that evokes emotion. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a sweet, elegant and universal embrace,” he stated, highlighting its ability to unite people from various cultures.
The Padula family, owners of Café del Mar and Gran Forno Bakery, are enthusiastic about this record attempt. Maurice Padula explained, “The idea was born from our passion for bringing people together through food and culture. We wanted to celebrate the artistry of Italian desserts while creating something truly historic for South Florida.”
Achieving a Guinness World Record is not solely about creativity; it also involves meticulous planning and coordination. Casula acknowledged this, stating, “The biggest challenge will be perfect coordination: Each tiramisu must be documented, checked and presented impeccably.” This attention to detail is essential for the successful execution of such a large-scale event.
In addition to the record attempt, a documentary will be filmed to capture the entire process, from planning to the final presentation of the record-breaking tiramisu. Padula expressed excitement about this aspect, saying, “The documentary will capture the entire journey — from planning and ingredient sourcing to the final reveal of the record-breaking tiramisu.”
Casula is no stranger to high-stakes culinary events. He gained recognition as “The Million Dollar Chef” after creating an extravagant tiramisu adorned with 24-karat edible gold for a banquet hosted by a Saudi prince, which had a budget of $1 million. “It’s all true! I created a completely edible tiramisu, decorated with 24-karat edible gold,” he shared. This experience exemplifies his belief that the dessert can transcend traditional boundaries to become a work of art.
Café del Mar’s beachside location provides a fitting backdrop for this celebratory event. Padula believes the atmosphere will enhance the experience, noting, “The beachside atmosphere perfectly complements the celebratory nature of this event. There’s truly no better backdrop for something of this magnitude.”
As the countdown to the record attempt begins, Casula is eager to share his passion for tiramisu with the world. “I want to share with the world the passion, energy and positive madness behind this dream. It’s not just a record; it’s an international celebration of taste,” he said.
For those interested in attending the event, details are as follows:
Where: Café del Mar, 101 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (between Poinsettia and Cortez streets)
When: 18:00, October 24, 2023
Cost: Free, but reservations are encouraged by calling 954-414-1024
Information: 954-414-1024, cafedelmarfll.com, and tiramisuworldrecord.com
With the potential to break a world record and bring the community together, this event promises to be a memorable celebration of culinary creativity and cultural connection.
